DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating

Everyone overeats on occasion. DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating is a program for people who have problematic overeating behaviors. These behaviors include losing control while eating and eating significantly more than what is typical. Other behaviors may include eating rapidly, past fullness, secretly and finding yourself feeling depressed or guilty afterward.

It becomes a regular occurrence, a way to deal with emotions. It might cross the line into Binge Eating Disorder, which is the most common eating disorder in the United States and affects people of all shapes and sizes.

We often hear people calling themselves “stupid,” “fat,” or “lazy.” But when we use those terms, it’s a one-way trip to feeling down. DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating teaches us many new skills to redirect our thoughts; for example, we learn how to express what’s really bothering us and what we want to change about the situation we are in.

You are welcome to reach out for help wherever you are at in your eating recovery journey. Persons considering bariatric intervention are also welcome before, during or after intervention.

Illustration of a person with puzzle piece-shaped gaps in their body, reaching toward floating colorful puzzle pieces—symbolizing the support Choices Psychotherapy offers through mental health services.

Additional Info About DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating

Clients learn to reduce or eliminate emotional eating through learning DBT Skills.

DBT Skills improve your ability to tolerate distress, choose your emotional responses and balance taking care of yourself with the needs of others. .

Frequently Asked Questions About Our DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating

What is the “Why Can’t I Stop Eating” DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating

It helps individuals struggling with emotional eating, binge eating, or an unhealthy relationship with food. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, participants learn mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation skills to manage urges and build a more positive relationship with food and their bodies.

How can DBT help with emotional or binge eating?

DBT teaches you how to recognize emotional triggers, reduce guilt and shame around eating, and respond to cravings with awareness instead of impulse. It’s not a diet program—it’s about developing lifelong coping skills for emotional balance and self-compassion.

Who is DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating for?

It is designed for adults who find themselves eating in response to emotions such as stress, sadness, boredom, or anxiety. It’s ideal for anyone who feels out of control around food or wants to break free from the emotional eating cycle.

What happens in a typical session?

Each session includes mindfulness practice, discussion, and skill-building exercises. You will learn DBT strategies to manage emotions, identify patterns, and create healthier responses to food-related stress.

Do I need to be on a diet to join?

No. This group focuses on emotional awareness, self-acceptance, and behavioral change - not dieting or food restriction. You’ll learn to trust your body’s signals and develop a more mindful, compassionate relationship with eating.

How do I know if DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating is right for me?

If you find yourself eating when you’re not hungry, struggling with guilt after meals, or feeling like food controls your emotions, this program can help.

How can I start with DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating?

You can contact Choices Psychotherapy to schedule an intake or learn more about DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating. Our compassionate team is ready to support you in taking the first step toward food freedom and emotional well-being.

Overall Goals of DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating

  • Elimination or substantial reduction in binge eating, overeating and mindless eating
  • Ability to get needs met without using food
  • Weight stabilization
  • Preparation for future weight loss if desired
  • Confidence in decision making
  • Improved relationships
  • Choosing responses rather than reacting
  • Decreased cravings, urges and preoccupations with food
  • Lowered impulsivity
  • Reduced feelings of numbness and feeling overwhelmed

Ann Trench, MSSW, LICSW

Smiling woman with wavy blonde hair wearing a blue blouse and silver earrings, posed in front of a neutral background, representing Choices Psychotherapy and their dedication to mental health services.

I am passionate about helping people eliminate emotional eating from their lives. While I honor that my clients figured out a way to survive earlier difficult experiences, I delight in seeing them discover a new-found freedom from food and achieve goals they didn’t think were possible.

Emotional eating can often seem like a puzzle. Together we work on that puzzle until we learn what has propelled and reinforced the eating disorder. As understanding increases, emotional eating loses its power and new skills emerge to manage life. Problematic eating reduces to regular overeating, which then transforms into normal eating. .…read more about Ann Trench, MSSW, LICSW

DBT for Emotional Eating or Binge Eating Philosophy

We all do the best we can with the skills that we have. Sometimes, however, those skills only get us so far, and we need new ones. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy, (DBT), I teach those new skills in both an educational format and through the therapeutic relationship.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) transforms negative thinking patterns and destructive behaviors into positive outcomes. DBT helps people who emotionally eat build self-management skills, reduce anxiety and stress, increase life satisfaction and reduce or eliminate destructive eating behaviors.